The newly refurbished Wallingford Splash Park reopened today Saturday 8th July ready for the school holidays, offering exciting new water features, improved safety measures, and enhanced accessibility.
Managed by GLL, the park is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm in the summer season and is free to the public. Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the new features while also enjoying the heated outdoor Riverside Pool and surrounding parklands set adjacent to the River Thames.
The Riverside Jubilee Splash Park originally opened in 2012 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The facility is free for public use with no booking required, and is situated just outside of the pool grounds.
New Features and Upgrades for the Wallingford Splash Park
The upgrades at the Splash Pad at Riverside Park and Pools in Wallingford include interactive water play zones, water arches, “whoosh showers,” and tap activators that trigger fun water sequences. These features cater to children of all ages and abilities, making the Wallingford splash pad a hub for family-friendly warm weather fun.
The park has also introduced important safety improvements. The new rubber crumb surface, equipped with UV protection to prevent algae build-up, ensures a non-slip environment for children.
Additionally, a new accessible pathway connects the splash pads to the car park, providing ease of access for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.
Work which started in may, included removing uneven paving slabs, and repairs to the promenade and perimeter area.
Key Features at a glance:
- Water arches
- Raised Features
- Tap Tap activators children can use to trigger water sequences from fountains
- Play zones for children of different ages and abilities
- A whoosh shower
- Sky drenchers!
Families are already raving about the new water features at the Wallingford Splash Park, with one visitor Isabella (9 years old) telling us, “it’s great fun, I’ve been trying to get across without the water touching me”.
Her mum added, “The new interactive zones are perfect for my kids, and the eco-friendly water recycling system is a great touch! It’s going to be a great place for a picnic over the summer.”
Sustainability Focus at Riverside Park and Pools
In line with the council’s environmental goals, the park features an eco-friendly water recycling system. River water and rainwater are filtered and recirculated through the facility, significantly reducing water and power usage, and cutting carbon emissions.
Councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing at South Oxfordshire District Council, praised the timely completion of the project and the importance of making free, accessible recreational facilities available to all.
“I’m really proud of our council officers and the team at The Splash and One Consulting Group for getting this fantastic facility ready on time. It’s going to be so popular and not just with children!
“At a time when finances are stretched for many it’s great that something like this is free to use and will provide hours of entertainment over the summer.”
Community and Economic Impact
The reopening of the park is expected to bring a positive boost to Wallingford’s economy by drawing more tourists to the area and encouraging moorings from the canal boats, with there already plenty of things to do in Wallingford for visitors. Local businesses are eager to welcome the influx of families, with the Splash Park serving as a major attraction.
Councillor Pieter-Paul Barker from South Oxfordshire District Council highlighted the significance of developer contributions in financing the £296,450 project, which was funded through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
“This is a great example of how we can use developer contributions to improve facilities here in Wallingford and Crowmarsh that will benefit families across South Oxfordshire.
“The Riverside Park and Pools site is so popular, and the pool and campsite have already had a lot of visitors since they opened in May. This fantastic splash pad is just going to attract even more people to the area which will have a great impact on the local economy.”
The reopening of the Wallingford Splash Park reaffirms its status as a valuable community asset, bringing families together while prioritising safety and sustainability. Locals can look forward to a summer of fun at this revitalised outdoor space, and visitors to the Wallingford campsite will be delighted to have the new facilities on their doorstep.
So plan your visit to the Wallingford Splash Park today! With exciting new features, improved safety, and free entry, it’s the perfect place for families to cool off in the hot weather.
How to get to the Riverside Splash Park and Pool in Wallingford
Riverside Jubilee Splash Park
- Wallingford OX10 8FN
If you live in Wallingford, it’s a 4 minute walk from Wallingford Castle and a 10 minute walk from the High Street. There is also easy access from nearby towns like Crowmarsh Gifford and Benson.
Driving: Come off the A4074 at the Shillingford junction, signposted for Wallingford. Parking is available at the Riverside car park, free up to 1 hour, £2 for up to 2 hours, then £4.00 for the day. £3 .for 5 hours is available 1st July to 31st August.
Public transport: The River Rapids X40 bus runs from Oxford to Reading and passes through Wallingford.
FAQ’s
What are the opening hours of Wallingford Splash Park?
The Wallingford Riverside Splash Park is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm throughout the summer.
Is there an entrance fee to Wallingford Splash Park?
No, the Wallingford Splash Park is free to the public. The 23m by 10m heated outdoor swimming pool does carry a fee of £6.50 to non-members, with booking advised.
